Gireeshan Veluthedath Kuzhiyil1, Babu Francis Chirayath Antony2, Ajith Kumar Vellani Thamunni3, Mohammed Kutty Palamparambil4, Krishnan Chakkiyara5
Sickle cell anaemia is a multisystem disease associated with end-organ damage, which can adversely affect the growth and development of children. There is no enough data on the effect of this disease on the growth and development of children.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted in tribal children with and without sickle cell anaemia (HbSS and non-SS). Mean values of height, weight, head circumference, chest circumference, BMI and US/LS ratio were calculated for the age group of 1-5, 6-10 and 11-15 years. Mid upper arm circumference was studied for 1-5 age group.
RESULTS
Out of 254 children, 138 were males and 116 females. There was no significant difference in mean anthropometric parameters in the age group of 1-5 years and 11-15 years. Mean weight, height and BMI of children in 6-10 years were 19.01 kg, 114.51 cm and 14.38 respectively for HbSS and 22.06 kg, 124.77 cm and 14.07 respectively for non-SS. Mean MAUC in 1-5 years were 13.93 cm for SS group and 13.78 cm in non-SS group.
CONCLUSION
Sickle cell anaemia is not causing significant adverse effect on the growth of children; but it has a transient negative effect on the growth of primary school going children.
